Orbital Tumors

What is an orbital tumor

is any tumor that occurs within the orbit of the eye. The orbit is a bony housing in the skull about 2 inches deep that provides protection to the entire eyeball except the front surface. It is lined by the orbital bones and contains the eyeball, its muscles, blood supply, nerve supply, and fat.

Tumors may possibly develop in any of the tissues surrounding the eyeball and may possibly also invade the orbit from the sinuses, brain, or nasal cavity, or it may possibly metastasize (spread) from other areas of the body. Orbital tumors can affect adults and children. Fortunately, most are benign.

What causes orbital tumors?

Children

Most childhood orbital tumors are benign and are the result of developmental abnormalities.

Common orbital tumors in children are dermoids (cysts of the lining of the bone) and hemangiomas (blood vessel tumors).

Malignant tumors are unusual in children, but any rapidly growing mass should be cause for concern.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor affecting children, and it usually occurs between the ages of 7 and 8.

Adults

The most common orbital tumors in adults are also blood vessel tumors, including hemangioma, lumphangioma, and arteriovenous malformation.

Tumors of the nerves, fat, and surrounding sinuses occur less often.

Lymphomas are the most commonly occurring malignant orbital tumors in adults.

Metastic tumors most commonly arise from the breast and prostate, while squamous and basal cell cancer can invade the orbit from surrounding skin and sinus cavities.

What are the symptoms of an orbital tumor?

Symptoms of an orbital tumor may possibly include

protrusion of the eyeball (proptosis)

pain

loss of vision

double vision

redness

swelling of the eyelids

obvious mass.

Prominence of the eyes is not necessarily the result of a tumor, but may possibly result from inflammation such as that caused by Graves' thyroid disease.

In children, parents may possibly initially notice a droopy eyelid or slight protrusion of the eye.

How are tumors diagnosed

How are orbital tumors treatedOrbital tumors are most commonly diagnosed with either a CAT scan or MRI. If either of those tests look suspicious, a biopsy may possibly be performed.?

How are orbital tumors Treated

Treatment of orbital tumors varies depending on the size, location, and type.

Some orbital tumors require no treatment, while others are best treated medically or with the use of radiation therapy.

Som may possibly need to be totally removed by either an orbital surgeon or a neurosurgeon, depending on the particular case.

After removal, additional radiation or chemotherapy may possibly be required. Surgery has become much safer because CT scans and MRI testing can help pinpoint the location and size of the tumor.